Career and Education Opportunities for Computer Programmers in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Computer programmers can find both educational opportunities and jobs in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area. There are currently 13,950 jobs for computer programmers in Michigan and this is projected to shrink by 7% to about 13,030 jobs by 2016. This is not quite as good as the nation as a whole, where employment opportunities for computer programmers are expected to shrink by about 2.9%. In general, computer programmers convert project specifications and statements of problems and procedures to detailed logical flow charts for coding into computer language.

Income for computer programmers is about $32 per hour or $66,750 annually on average in Michigan. Nationally, their income is about $33 hourly or $69,620 annually. Incomes for computer programmers are not quite as good as in the overall category of Computer in Michigan, and not quite as good as the overall Computer category nationally. People working as computer programmers can fill a number of jobs, such as: web site designer, database programmer, and internet webmaster.

There are ten schools within twenty-five miles of Grand Rapids where you can study to be a computer programmer, among nineteen schools of higher education total in the Grand Rapids area. Given that the most common education level for computer programmers is a Bachelor's degree, it will take about four years to learn to be a computer programmer if you already have a high school diploma.

CAREER DESCRIPTION: Computer Programmer

Computer Programmer video from the State of New Jersey Dept. of Labor and Workforce Development

In general, computer programmers convert project specifications and statements of problems and procedures to detailed logical flow charts for coding into computer language. They also develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

Computer programmers write and rewrite programs, using workflow charts and diagrams, and applying knowledge of computer capabilities and symbolic logic. They also conduct trial runs of programs and software applications to be sure they will produce the desired data and that the instructions are correct. Equally important, computer programmers have to correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to insure that the desired results are produced. They are often called upon to perform or direct revision, repair, or expansion of existing programs to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements. They are expected to write and maintain computer programs or software packages to handle specific jobs such as tracking inventory, storing or retrieving data, or controlling other equipment. Finally, computer programmers confer with and assist computer operators or system analysts to define and resolve problems in running computer programs.

Every day, computer programmers are expected to be able to listen to and understand others in meetings. They need to read and understand documents and reports. It is also important that they think through problems and come up with general rules.

It is important for computer programmers to perform systems analysis and programming tasks to maintain and control the use of computer systems software as a systems programmer. They are often called upon to compile and write documentation of program development and subsequent revisions, inserting comments in the coded instructions so others can understand the program. They also write or contribute to instructions or manuals to guide end users. They are sometimes expected to investigate whether networks, workstations, the central processing unit of the system, or peripheral equipment are responding to a program's instructions. Somewhat less frequently, computer programmers are also expected to collaborate with computer manufacturers and other users to design new programming methods.

They also have to be able to collaborate with computer manufacturers and other users to design new programming methods and confer with managerial and technical personnel to explain program intent and suggest changes. And finally, they sometimes have to train subordinates in programming and program coding.

Like many other jobs, computer programmers must be able to absorb the factors involved and a problem and provide a well thought out solution and be thorough and dependable.

Similar jobs with educational opportunities in Grand Rapids include:

Applications Programmer. Develop, create, and modify general computer applications software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions. Design software or customize software for client use with the aim of optimizing operational efficiency. May analyze and design databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

Computer Scientist. Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Solve or develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.

Computer Support Specialist. Provide technical assistance to computer system users. Answer questions or resolve computer problems for clients in person, via telephone or from remote location. May provide assistance concerning the use of computer hardware and software, including printing, and operating systems.

Network Systems and Data Communications Analyst. Analyze, design, and evaluate network systems, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), Internet, intranet, and other data communications systems. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning. Research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software. Includes telecommunications specialists who deal with the interfacing of computer and communications equipment. May supervise computer programmers.

Network and Computer Systems Administrator. Install, configure, and support an organization's local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and Internet system or a segment of a network system. Maintain network hardware and software. Monitor network to ensure network availability to all system users and perform necessary maintenance to support network availability. May supervise other network support and client server specialists and plan, coordinate, and implement network security measures.

Operations Research Analyst. Formulate and apply mathematical modeling and other optimizing methods using a computer to develop and interpret information that assists management with decision making, policy formulation, or other managerial functions. May develop related software, service, or products. Frequently concentrates on collecting and analyzing data and developing decision support software. May develop and supply optimal time, cost, or logistics networks for program evaluation, review, or implementation.

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES: Computer Programmer Training

Baker College of Muskegon - Muskegon, MI

Baker College of Muskegon, 1903 Marquette Ave, Muskegon, MI 49442. Baker College of Muskegon is a medium sized college located in Muskegon, Michigan. It is a private not-for-profit school with primarily 4-year or above programs and has 5,214 students. Baker College of Muskegon has 2 areas of study related to Computer Programmer. They are:

Computer Programming/Programmer, associate's degree and bachelor's degree which graduated two and three students respectively in 2008.

Web/Multimedia Management and Webmaster, one to two year and associate's degree which graduated zero and seven students respectively in 2008.

Grand Rapids Community College - Grand Rapids, MI

Grand Rapids Community College, 143 Bostwick Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-3295. Grand Rapids Community College is a large college located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It is a public school with primarily 2-year programs and has 15,403 students. Grand Rapids Community College has 3 areas of study related to Computer Programmer. They are:

Computer Programming/Programmer, one to two year and associate's degree which graduated one and fifteen students respectively in 2008.

Web/Multimedia Management and Webmaster, one to two year and associate's degree which graduated two and five students respectively in 2008.

Muskegon Community College - Muskegon, MI

Muskegon Community College, 221 S Quarterline Rd, Muskegon, MI 49442-1432. Muskegon Community College is a small college located in Muskegon, Michigan. It is a public school with primarily 2-year programs and has 4,747 students. Muskegon Community College has 3 areas of study related to Computer Programmer. They are:

Computer Programming, Specific Applications, less than one year and associate's degree which graduated one and five students respectively in 2008.

Montcalm Community College, 2800 College Dr, Sidney, MI 48885-9723. Montcalm Community College is a small college located in Sidney, Michigan. It is a public school with primarily 2-year programs and has 2,119 students. Montcalm Community College has an associate's degree program in Management Information Systems which graduated two students in 2008.

Davenport University - Grand Rapids, MI

Davenport University, 6191 Kraft Avenue S.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49512-9396. Davenport University is a large university located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It is a private not-for-profit school with primarily 4-year or above programs. It has 10,773 students and an admission rate of 91%. Davenport University has 5 areas of study related to Computer Programmer. They are:

Computer Programming/Programmer, associate's degree and bachelor's degree which graduated zero and seven students respectively in 2008.

Web/Multimedia Management and Webmaster, one to two year, associate's degree, and bachelor's degree which graduated two, two, and nine students respectively in 2008.

Bioinformatics, associate's degree and bachelor's degree which graduated zero and two students respectively in 2008.

Management Information Systems, post-master's certificate.

Grand Valley State University - Allendale, MI

Grand Valley State University, 1 Campus Dr, Allendale, MI 49401-9403. Grand Valley State University is a large university located in Allendale, Michigan. It is a public school with primarily 4-year or above programs. It has 23,932 students and an admission rate of 78%. Grand Valley State University has a master's degree program in Bioinformatics which graduated two students in 2008.

University of Phoenix-West Michigan Campus - Grand Rapids, MI

University of Phoenix-West Michigan Campus, 318 River Ridge Dr, NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49544-1683. University of Phoenix-West Michigan Campus is a small university located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It is a private for-profit school with primarily 4-year or above programs and has 382 students. University of Phoenix-West Michigan Campus has a bachelor's degree program in Web/Multimedia Management and Webmaster which graduated nine students in 2008.

Aquinas College - Grand Rapids, MI

Aquinas College, 1607 Robinson Rd SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506-1799. Aquinas College is a small college located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It is a private not-for-profit school with primarily 4-year or above programs. It has 2,159 students and an admission rate of 82%. Aquinas College has a bachelor's degree program in Management Information Systems.

Cornerstone University - Grand Rapids, MI

Cornerstone University, 1001 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525-5897. Cornerstone University is a small university located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It is a private not-for-profit school with primarily 4-year or above programs. It has 1,759 students and an admission rate of 75%. Cornerstone University has a bachelor's degree program in Management Information Systems which graduated one student in 2008.

Calvin College - Grand Rapids, MI

Calvin College, 3201 Burton SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. Calvin College is a small college located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It is a private not-for-profit school with primarily 4-year or above programs. It has 4,171 students and an admission rate of 94%. Calvin College has a bachelor's degree program in Management Information Systems which graduated six students in 2008.

EC Council Certified Secure Programmer:
EC-Council's Certified Secure Programmer is being offered to provide the essential and fundamental skills to programmers and application developers in secure programming.

Associate of International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium:
Associate of (ISC) status is available to those who have gained competence in key areas of industry knowledge and information security concepts and can pass either the CISSP® or SSCP® examinations, but lack the years of practical work experience required for full accreditation.

Certification and Accreditation Professional:
The CAP credential is an objective measure of the knowledge, skills and abilities required for personnel involved in the Certification and Accreditation process.

Certified Team Developer:
GUPTA's Team Developer is a visual object-oriented RAD tool that is proven to shorten the development cycle; providing developers the tools to quickly design, develop and deploy their Windows or Linux solution.

WOW Certified Web Consultant:
Small Business Certified Web Consultants are professionals in designing, building and overseeing Web sites for medium or large companies or personal businesses as the Web manager or project manager.

LOCATION INFORMATION: Grand Rapids, Michigan

Grand Rapids, Michigan photo by Grguy2011

Grand Rapids is located in Kent County, Michigan. It has a population of over 193,396, which has shrunk by 2.2% over the last ten years. The cost of living index in Grand Rapids, 81, is well below the national average. New single-family homes in Grand Rapids cost $98,700 on average, which is far less than the state average. In 2008, forty-three new homes were built in Grand Rapids, down from ninety-two the previous year.

The three most popular industries for women in Grand Rapids are health care, educational services, and accommodation and food services. For men, it is construction, transportation equipment, and educational services. The average travel time to work is about 19 minutes. More than 23.8% of Grand Rapids residents have a bachelor's degree, which is lower than the state average. The percentage of residents with a graduate degree, 8.0%, is lower than the state average.

The unemployment rate in Grand Rapids is 15.4%, which is greater than Michigan's average of 14.3%.

The percentage of Grand Rapids residents that are affiliated with a religious congregation, 52.9%, is more than both the national and state average. Church of Jesus Christ, Immanuel Church and Trinity Church are among the churches located in Grand Rapids. The most prominent religious groups are the Catholic Church, the Christian Reformed Church in North America and the Reformed Church in America.

Grand Rapids is home to the Kent Country Club and the Walker Juvenile Court as well as Comstock Riverside Park and Richmond Park. Visitors to Grand Rapids can choose from Hampton Inn Grand Rapids, Hampton Inn Grand Rapids/North- Mi and Hampton Inn Fax for temporary stays in the area.